Dying to Read Reader Group Guide : Lorena McCourtney

1. In this difficult economic climate, many people have been out of work for extended periods of time. Do you think it’s better to accept any job that comes along or to hold out for a job you really want? Does God ever use hard times in our lives to turn us in some new direction? Has he ever done this in your life?

2. Cate is surprised that seventy-something Amelia has a “man in her life.” How would you feel about a late-in-life relationship for yourself or a friend or even your mother?

3. Cate, for the first time in her life, has encountered a dead body in an unexpected setting. How do you think you’d react to such an event? Would you be wondering if it was an accident—or murder?

4. Amelia’s niece Cheryl has a strong belief in feng shui. How do you feel about this? Do you see any conflict between this idea of having faith in the placement of physical things and the idea of putting all your faith in God?

5. Cate is stuck in the hospital emergency room waiting for news about someone she loves. Have you ever had this happen to you? How did you feel about it?

6. Did you have any suspicions about “Jeremiah Thompson” when Cate first talked to him about finding Willow?

7. Willow was really passionate in her beliefs about saving the trees. How do you feel about this? Is this a worthwhile cause? Is there any cause you feel really passionate about?

8. Do you feel Cate was foolish or compassionate in her dealings with Willow, still wanting to believe in her even after all the lies Willow told?

9. Willow, though not a Christian, knew that line about God working in mysterious ways. Do you think that how he works can sometimes be mysterious? Has he ever worked in some mysterious way in your life?

10. Scott Calhoun involved the Whodunit ladies in a fraudulent investment scheme. Have you ever been the victim of some fraudulent financial scheme, perhaps on a lesser scale but still very damaging?

11. In his teen years, Mitch got into trouble hacking into internet sites where he had no right to be, but a teacher helped him turn this computer expertise around and use it for a worthwhile occupation. Has a mentor ever helped you get on the right track in life?

12. Mitch feels very protective about Cate and doesn’t like the idea of her being a private investigator. Do you think that’s a reasonable attitude? Do you think he perhaps has some interest (although a reluctant interest) in private investigative work himself?